Orphans
PURPOSE
To inform of the realities orphans face to any global audience interested in international service or adoption, using Vietnam, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Serbia as applicable examples.
MOTIVATION
Due to the lack of orphanages in the United States and publicity on a global scale, orphans around the world are easily overlooked. Consequently, there are millions of orphans worldwide with no parents, let alone anyone to look up to or turn for help. I will live in 4 different countries throughout one year, one country per calendar season: Vietnam, Puerto Rico, Brazil, and Serbia. During these periods, I dedicate myself to volunteering with orphans in each country. Much of the planet’s human population lack sufficient information that would allow them to adopt or provide the most effective care for orphans.
Vietnam
I am Vietnamese American and since I know there are so many orphans with so much need in Vietnam, I feel it practically a responsibility to serve in this country. Through hands-on experience both volunteering and filming, I hope to touch and educate viewers through a self-edited and produced video.
Puerto Rico
The idea: I read that Puerto Rico is one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Naturally, that equates to a lot of poverty, hardship, and of course, orphans. Dedicated to communicate all aspects of being an orphan to the viewers watching the video series, for the second season of the film series, I will split my time with orphans in establishments and orphans in the street.
The reality: There is a lot of red tape in the legal system of Puerto Rico. What I failed to consider before flying out to ‘La Isla del Encanto,’ is this island is a territory, or province, of the United States of America. As part of the USA, there are centers for children to go to, similar to the foster care system, but like the United States there are no orphanages. When attempting to volunteer in these child centers, I was given a list of prerequesites that, by law, must be completed prior to working with children. Safety for the children is understandable, but it was also a let down to know that I had to turn in a criminal background check, which when I last got one for my work visa in Korea, I remember having to physically go to the state capital in my state of Oregon. Already living in Puerto Rico, flying back to take my finger prints in Oregon was not a feasible option.
At one boy’s home I was told after being confirmed to volunteer that day, “What are you going to do? We already have our set schedule” My idea that having a volunteer, someone hanging out with the children by choice and not just workers paid to be there, would make the children feel more loved and wanted. Not everyone thinks the same, though. In an infantile care center, Casa Cuna, the very hospitable director explained the US-Puerto Rican legal system and concluded, that IF I buy a house, own my own property, show stability, meet all the requirements (which are timely and costly), than I could *potentially* be a foster mother. As for orphanages, however, there are none in Puerto Rico. She added, ‘there are no orphans in the streets, either.’
I love Puerto Rico and do envision myself as a mother, be it adopting, foster, or biological. Time will tell.
La Casa Cuna de San Juan
PO Box 9024100 San Juan, PR 00902-4100
Tele: 787-480-5330
Email: casacunadesanjuan@sanjuancapital.com
El Albergue Paraiso, El Eden
PO Boc 11740 San Juan, PR 00910-2840
1007 Ave Fernandez Juncos Pda. 15 Santurce, PR
Email: albergueelparaiso@hotmail.com
Para donaciones: Banco Popular Cuenta #: 017-088488
